James Branch Cabell et al - "The Cords of Vanity"

Stephen Gwynn - "The Life of the Rt. Hon. Sir Charles W. Dilke V1"

Burton Egbert Stevenson - "The Home Book of Verse, Volume 3"

G. A. Henty - "Forest & Frontiers"

Annual Bibliography of Commonwealth Literature 2007
This paper argues that discourses of love in Ghanaian market literature for youth offer a view into complex negotiations of agency and empowerment. Drawing on Deborah Durham's notion of youth as "social `shifters'" and Francis Nyamnjoh's conception of the "interconnectedness" of agency, I take Ghanaian market literature as one specific case of how African literature for youth foregrounds questions of continuity and change as African societies enter into increasingly complex global relations. In this literature for youth, received notions of love, often constructed out of impressions from American pop and hip hop music, carry new notions of agency that compete with existing "domesticated" forms. Authors like Ike Tandoh and Evelyn Tay employ discourses of love to offer youth alternative avenues for empowerment in a context of socio-economic disenfranchizement. In a creative process of "straddling", this writing both reveals and reproduces the contradictions that obtain in youth configurations of agency.

The Home

F >> Fredrika Bremer >> The Home




The Judge seized on the idea with joy. "So we will," said he; "we will
unite pleasure with profit. This undertaking will cost more than a
simple public pleasure-ground, but that need not prevent it. In this
beautiful time of peace, and with the prospect of its long continuance,
people may take works in hand, and hope to complete them, even if they
should require a long time."

"And such works," said Jacobi, "operate ennoblingly on life in times of
peace. Peace requires even as great a mass of power as war, but against
another kind of foe. Every ennobling of this earthly existence,
everything which exalts the mind to a more intellectual life, is a
battery directed against the commoner nature in man, and is a service
done to humanity and one's native land."

"Bah!" cried Jeremias with vexation, "humanity and native land! You have
always large words in the mouth; if a fence is thrown down or a bush
planted, it is immediately called a benefit for one's native land. Plant
your fields and throw down your fences, but let the native land rest in
peace! for it troubles itself just as little about you, as you about it.
For one's country and humanity!--that should sound very affecting--all
mere talk!"

"No, now you are in fact too severe," said the Judge, smiling at the
outbreak of his friend; "and I, as far as regards myself," continued he,
gravely, but cheerfully, "wish that a clearer idea of one's country
accompanied every step of human activity. If there be a love which is
natural and reasonable, it is the love of one's country. Have I not to
thank my country for everything that I have? Are they not its laws, its
institutions, its spiritual life, which have developed my whole being,
as man and as a citizen? And are they not the deeds of my fathers which
have fashioned these; which have given them their power and their
individual life? In fact, love and gratitude towards one's parents is
no greater duty than love and gratitude towards one's native land; and
there is no one, be he man or woman, high or low, but who, according to
his own relationships, can and must pay this holy debt. And this is
exactly the signification of a christianly constituted state, that every
one shall occupy with his pound so as to benefit, at the same time, both
the individual and the community at large."

"Thus," added Petrea, "do the rain-drops swell the brook, which pours
its water into the river, and may, even though it be nameless,
communicate benefit in its course."

"So it is, my dear child," said her father, and extended to her his
hand.

"It is a gladdening thought," said Louise, with tearful eyes. "Pay
attention, Adam, to what grandfather and aunt say, and keep it in your
mind;--but don't open your mouth so wide; a whole frigate could sail
into it."

At these words little Alfred began to laugh so shrilly and so heartily
that all the elderly folks irresistibly bore him company. Adam laughed
too; and at the sound of this peal of laughter came bounding forward
from all ends and corners Shem and Seth, Jacob and Solomon, Jonathan and
David, just as a flock of sparrows comes flying down over a handful of
scattered corn. They came laughing because they heard laughter, and
wished to be present at the entertainment.

In the mean time the sun had set, and the cool elves of evening began to
wander over the place as the family, amid the most cheerful talk, arose
in order to return to the house. As they went into the city the ball on
St. Mary's church glimmered like fire in the last beams of the sun, and
the moon ascended like a pale but gentle countenance over the roof of
their house. There was a something in this appearance which made a
sorrowful impression on Gabriele. The star of the church tower glittered
over the grave of her brother, and the look of the moon made her
involuntarily think on the pale, mild countenance of her mother. For the
rest, the evening was so lovely, the blackbird sang among the alders by
the brook, and the heaven lay clear and brightly blue over the earth,
whilst the wind and every disturbing sound became more and more hushed.

Gabriele walked on, full of thought, and did not observe that Baron L.
had approached her; they were almost walking together as he said, "I am
very glad; it was very pleasant to me to see you all again so happy!"

"Ah, yes," answered Gabriele, "now we can all be together again. It is a
great happiness that Louise and her family are come here."

"Perhaps," continued the Baron--"perhaps it might be audacity to disturb
such a happily united life, and to wish to separate a daughter and
sister from such a family--but if the truest----"

"Ah!" hastily interrupted Gabriele, "don't speak of disturbing anything,
of changing anything--everything is so good as it now is!"

He was silent, with an expression of sorrow.

"Let us be all happy together," said Gabriele, bashfully and cordially;
"you will stop some time with us. It is so charming to have friends and
sisters--this united life is so agreeable with them."

The Baron's countenance brightened. He seized Gabriele's hand, and would
have said something, but she hastened from him to her father, whose arm
she took.

Jacobi conducted Petrea; they were cheerful and confidential together,
as happy brother and sister. She spoke to him of her present happiness,
and of the hope which made up her future. He took the liveliest interest
in it, and spoke with her of his plans; of his domestic happiness; and
with especial rapture of his boys; of their obedience to the slightest
word of their parents; of their mutual affection to each other--and
see--all this was Louise's work! And Louise's praise was sung forth in a
harmonious duet--ever a sweet scent for "our eldest," who appeared,
however, to listen to no one but her father.

They soon reached home. The mother stood with the silver ladle in her
hand, and the most friendly smile on her lips, in the library, before a
large steaming bowl of punch, and with look and voice bade the entering
party welcome.

"My dear Elise," said the Judge, embracing her, "you are become twenty
years younger to-day."

"Happiness makes one young," answered she, looking on him
affectionately.

People seated themselves.

"Don't make so much noise, children!" said Louise to her eight, seating
herself with the little Elise on her knees; "can't you seat yourselves
without so much noise and bustle."

Jeremias Munter had placed himself in a corner, and was quiet, and
seemed depressed.

On many countenances one saw a sort of tension, a sort of consciousness
that before long a something uncommon was about to happen. The Judge
coughed several times; he seemed to have an unusual cause for making his
throat clear. At length he raised his voice and spoke, but not without
evident emotion, "Is it true that our friend Jeremias Munter thinks of
soon leaving us, in order to seat himself down in solitude in the
country? Is it true, as report says, that he leaves us so soon as
to-morrow morning, and that this is the last evening which brings him
into our circle as a townsman of ours?"

The Assessor made an attempt to reply, but it was only a sort of low
grunting tone without words. He looked fixedly upon the floor, and
supported his hands upon his stick.

"In this case," continued the Judge, "I am desired to ask him a
question, which I would ask from no one else, and which nearly sticks in
my throat,--Will our friend Munter allow that any one--any one of us
should follow him into his solitude?"

"Who would accompany me?" snorted Jeremias grumblingly and doubtingly.

"I!" answered a soft, harmonious voice; and Eva, as beautiful and
graceful at this moment as ever, approached him, conducted by her
father. "I," repeated she, blushing and speaking softly but sincerely,
"I will accompany you if you will."

On the countenances of the family it might be read that this to the
members of it was no surprise. Louise had gentle tears in her eyes, and
did not look the least in the world scandalised at this step--so
contrary to the dignity of woman. The Assessor drew himself together,
and looked up with a sharp and astonished look.

"Receive from my hand," said the Judge, with a voice which showed his
feeling, "a companion for whom you have long wished. Only to you,
Munter, would I so resign my beloved child."

"Do you say no to me?" asked Eva, blushing and smiling, as she extended
her white hand to the still stupified Jeremias.

He seized the extended hand hastily, pressed it with both hands to his
breast, and said softly as he bent over it, "Oh, my rose!" When he
raised his head, his eyes were wet; but there was anxiety and disquiet
in his whole being. "Brother," said he to the Judge, "I cannot yet thank
you--I don't know--I don't understand--I must first prove her."

He took Eva by the hand and conducted her into the boudoir adjoining the
library, seated himself opposite to her, and said warmly, "Whence
proceeds this? What jokes are these? How does it arise? Tell me, in
God's name, Eva, with what sentiments do you thus come and woo me? Is it
with true love?--yes, I say, true love; don't be startled at the word!
You can take it as I mean it. Is it love, or is it--pity? As a gift of
mercy I cannot take you. Thus much I can tell you. Do not deceive
yourself--do not deceive me! In the name of God, who proves all hearts,
answer me, and speak the truth. Is it from the full and entire heart
that you come thus to me? Do you think, Eva, angel of God, that I, the
ugly, infirm, ill-tempered old man can make you happy?"

He spoke with a heartfelt anxiety, yet he now looked handsome with love
and feeling.

"My friend, my benefactor," answered Eva, and wiped away some tears
which rolled down her cheeks, "see into--read my inmost heart. Gratitude
led me to the acknowledgment of your worth, and both have led me to
love; not the passionate love which I once felt--but never more can
feel--but a deep inward devotion, which will make me and, as I also
hope, you happy, and which nothing further can disturb. To live for you,
and next to you for my family, is the highest wish that I have on earth.
I can candidly say that in this moment there is no one whom I love more
than you. Is that enough for you?"

The Assessor riveted his deep eyes searchingly and penetratingly on Eva.
"Kiss me!" said he, at once short and sharp.

With an indescribably charming submission, Eva bowed her blushing face
and kissed him.

"Lord God!" said Jeremias, "and you are mine! In his name then!" and
with unspeakable emotion clasped he his long beloved to his heart. He
held her long, and only deep sighs arose from his heart overflowing with
happiness. At length he tore himself from her, and as if animated with
new youth he sprang forward, and exclaimed to the company assembled in
the library, "Nay, now it is all made up--I take her--she shall have
me--she shall have me! She is worthy to be my wife, and I am worthy to
be her husband! Now then, you without there, will not you drink our
healths?"

All gathered around the bowl--Louise with the rest--the eight following
her--it was all a joyful bustle. Leonore and Petrea kept back the little
tumultuous ones amid laughter, and promised to carry the glasses to them
if they would only keep their places.

At length quiet returned to the assembly, the glasses were filled, and
the skal began.

No. 1, which the Judge proposed, was "for the newly betrothed."

No. 2, which Jacobi spoke eloquently, was "for the Parents; for their
happiness and well-being," said he, with emotion, "through which I, and
so many others as well as I, are blessed!"

No. 3, was drunk to "the prosperity of the new Pastor's family."

No. 4, for "the new purchased land."

No. 5, for "the old--ever-new Home."

No. 6, was "the health of all good children!" The eight seemed as if
they could not return thanks enough.

After this yet a many other particular toasts were given. The young
Jacobis drank incessantly to the aunts--Gabriele must continually make
her glass clink against those of her little nephews.

In the mean time Jeremias Munter made with love-warm looks the following
speech to his bride. "That was a joke now! that you should have made me
of such consequence! How did she know that I would have her? To woo me
yourself, and to take me so by surprise! To give me no time to think.
What then? It is quite unheard of! Was the thing arranged beforehand?
No, that is too troublesome. Nay, nay, nay, nay then, nay say I! But now
I think about it, it was quite for the best that I accept you--but
indeed you were a little hasty; I've a good mind to----What now? What is
fresh in hand? Comes her little grace, the little sister-in-law, without
any ceremony and kisses me. Heavens! the world is very merry!"

But nobody in the whole circle found the world so merry as Petrea.

"Are you now satisfied with me, Petrea?" asked Eva, archly laughing.
Petrea clasped her warmly in her arms.

Now the voice of Mother Louise was heard saying, "Nay, nay, children,
you must not drink a drop more! What do you say, my little David? A
thee-and-thou toast with Uncle Munter? No, thank you greatly, my dear
fellow, you can propose that another time. You have drunk to-day toasts
enough--more, perhaps, than your little heads can carry."

"I beg for the boys, sister Louise," said the Assessor; "I will propose
a skal, and they must drink it with me. Fill, yet once more, the
glasses, little carousers!--I propose a skal for peace! peace in our
country, and peace in our homes! A skal for love and knowledge, which
alone can make peace a blessing! A skal, in one word, for--Peace upon
Earth!"

"Amen! amen!" cried Jacobi, drank off his glass, and threw it behind
him. Louise looked at her mother somewhat astonished, but the mother
followed Jacobi's example; she too was carried away.

"All glasses to the ground after this skal!" cried the Judge, and sent
his ringing against the ceiling. With an indescribable pleasure the
little Jacobis threw their glasses up, and endeavoured to make the skal
for Peace as noisy and tumultuous as possible.

* * * * *

We leave now the joyful circle, from which we have seen the mother
softly steal away. We see her go into the boudoir, where reposing in
comfortable quiet she writes the following lines to her friend and
sister:

"I have left them now for a few minutes, in order to rest, and to say a
few words to you, my Cecilia. Here it is good and quiet; and joyful
voices--truly festival voices, echo to me here. The heart of my Ernst
enjoys the highest pleasure, for he sees all his children happy around
him. And the children, Cecilia, he has reason to be joyful over them and
proud; they stand all around him, good and excellent human beings; they
thank him that existence has been given to them, and that they have
learned its worth; They are satisfied with their lot. The lost and
again-found-one has come home, in order to begin a new life, and her
charming child is quite established on the knees of the grandfather.

"I hear Gabriele's guitar accompanied by a song. I fancy now they dance.
Louise's eight boys make the floor shake. Jacobi's voice is heard above
all. The good, ever-young man. I also should be joyful, for all in my
house is peaceful and well-arranged. And I am so; my heart is full of
thankfulness, but my body is weary--very weary.

"The fir-trees on the grave wave and beckon me. I see their tops
saluting me in the clear moonlight, and pointing upwards. Dost thou
beckon me, my son? Dost thou call me to come home to thee? My
first-born, my summer-child! Let me whisper to thee that this is my
secret wish. The earth was friendly towards me; friendly was my home:
when thou wast gone, my favourite! I began to follow. Perhaps the day of
my departure is at hand. I feel in myself as if I were able to go to
rest. And might a really bright and beautiful moment be enjoyed by me
before my last sleep, I would yet once more press my husband's hand to
my lips, look around me on earth with a blessing, and upwards towards
heaven with gratitude, and say as now, out of the depths of my heart,
'Thank God for the home here, and the home there.'"


END OF THE HOME.


Transcriber's Notes:

I inserted 'a' into sentence, Never did I envy [a] human being as I
envied her, on Page 90.

In Footnote 3, the word appears to be Niflhem, but the more common
spelling is Niflheim.

Copyright (c) 2007. topboookz.com. All rights reserved.